Design challenge- how would you finish this kitchen?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

We want to finish the kitchen reno and we are stuck at the walls. The cabinets are maple wood in chestunt\ dark brown- red-ish color, the counter is white quartz with some light grey speckles and the floor is terracota tile with some white/greyish veins. The walls are white now and we plan to change the window trim or remove it all together if needed for a more modern look.

Here are the questions:

- should we add tile on the backsplash or paint the walls with color; what color would bring the place together? My inspiration photo has white tile backsplash but I was told by the contractor to add either color or pattern since the wall looks bare.

- Should I add something else to visually balance the wall itself since the stove is not in the middle between the windows and we have only one wall cabinet. My initial idea was to have one or two narrow shelves for decor, same color as the cabinets, next to the hood. We didn't want to add another cabinet on the other end of the wall as we didn't want to have it above our heads when sitting at the peninsula. What about adding the narrow shelves there?, Where the pictures are now?

- what window covering to use on the window closer to the gas stove that would be safe to use.

I am open to any suggestions.

Thank you.

This is my inspiration:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-kitchen-modern-kitchen-providence-phvw-vp~2058589

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Comments (17)

HU-187528210
3 years ago
I’d definitely go with tile. I’d go with simple. Probably a white finger tile. Or maybe a different shape. Do you like those patterned tiles?

Is the window to the left a faux window?

L
Manuela Ocra
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Thank you for your answer. No, it's a real window with a covering film on it for privacy until I have another solution. What color/ colors do you suggest? My concerns with those finger tiles is how to keep them clean easily. We cook a lot at home ( and my husband fries at high) and I was thinking larger tiles\ stainless steel sheet behind the range, but I don't know what should I do with the rest of the wall.
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HU-187528210
3 years ago
Oooo got it. Do you like blue?
HU-187528210
3 years ago
The rest of your text just popped up not sure why. totally hear you re the cleaning. And I guess if you can do stainless behind the stove if practicality is your priority. Personally I’d buy one of the splash guard stainless things you take out when frying and go with my favorite backsplash
Manuela Ocra
Original Author
3 years ago
Good suggestion about the ss sheet. I can't picture the blue. It never occur to me? Do you have a picture with the color? Would that be for the whole wall, up to the ceiling?
HU-187528210
3 years ago
I’d do it up the whole ceiling. I’m not finding great pictures. But this is what I did find
HU-187528210
3 years ago
I also really like this
Manuela Ocra
Original Author
3 years ago
I like this last one. I am not sure how would it be on the full wall with this herringbone design .
Manuela Ocra
Original Author
3 years ago
Initially I was thinking about full glass sheet to minimize the grout lines. It is very expensive though.
flopsycat1
3 years ago
Just one thought. Open shelves to the right of the range is not a good idea, especially with your husband’s frying. Your decorative pieces would need constant degreasing.
HU-187528210
3 years ago
Idk why glass sheets don’t talk to me. Ever. So I’m happy you veered from that one. I agree with you herringbone might be too much for this space. ( I’m shocked to be saying that! ) I think you need a small tile laid the long way
HU-187528210
3 years ago
In the color of the herringbone posssibly
lucky998877
3 years ago
Why didn't your contractor center the range and the hood between the large windows?
User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I wouldn't do window treatments here. I feel like open shelving won't really fix the asymmetry problem either. what about a tall/skinny spice rack to help fill the void? it might need to be custom. the only problem is keeping them clean, like flopsycat1 mentioned.

EDIT: this might take some creative thinking, but perhaps wallpaper that has a big bold pattern? pick one color from it to do a tile backsplash behind just the stove. It might help make the asymmetry less noticeable.
Manuela Ocra
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
We placed the stove there as previously we found that we didn’t have enough countertop space between the stove and sink. We cook most of the meals at home and it usually requires lots of ingredients. Strangely enough, we don’t use a lot of spices so the current cupboard is more than enough. Hence, I don’t feel that another spice rack is needed. However, I like the suggestion of a narrow rack but for someting else. Any ideas what else for? We like minimalistic decor as it,s easier to clean and maintain (OCD) and it’s easier on the eyes. that’s why we didn’t go with full size wall cabinets. Now, ILovMod, where do you think we should put the rack- in the corner or next to the hood? Same question about the wallpaper.
ptreckel
3 years ago
Do simplify your window trim. Take off the corner rosette blocks. They are inappropriate to your more modern design.
Manuela Ocra thanked ptreckel
Manuela Ocra
Original Author
3 years ago
Yes, we do plan to do that.

Design challenge- how would you finish this kitchen?

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